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If you ask people on the street what they want more than anything, the answer you’ll get the most is, “I just want to be happy.

If you ask how can I find happiness? You will get many answers, depending on who you ask and what their values ​​are. Some will say get all you can, and can all you can get, and don’t let anybody have it.

Then there is Bertrand Russell who said, “Being without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness. “

If you listen to those around you, there will be a lot of opinions. One of them said, “Happiness is being married. Another said, “Happiness is being single. A cynical sticker reads, “Happiness is impossible!

For most people, happiness is fleeting and can be superficial many times over. The word happiness itself implies and is associated with events, chance, luck, and fortune. If the circumstances are right, you are happy. Otherwise, you are unhappy.

I think what most people are really looking for is joy, and they get lost along the way and take happiness for joy; there is a lot of difference between the two. Happiness is linked to circumstances; joy is a gift from God.

Christian joy, however, is directly related to God and is the firm confidence that all is well, whatever your circumstances. In Philippians 3: 1, Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord. The Lord is both the source and the object of Christian joy.

Knowing him brings a joy that transcends temporal circumstances. Obeying him brings peace and confidence. Even severe trials don’t need to steal your joy. James 1: 2 says, you should be joyful when you encounter various trials because trials produce spiritual endurance and maturity.

They also prove that your faith is genuine, and proven faith is the source of great joy (1 Peter 1: 6-8). Paul also teaches us in Philippians 4: 4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; I repeat, rejoice! We live in a world corrupted by sin, but our hope should be in the living God and not in a dying world.

One thing about our God: He is able to keep you from stumbling and to stand before his blameless glory with great joy (Jude 24). We can be fully assured of future glory and everlasting joy!

Until that time comes, don’t neglect His Word or despise the trials that come, or lose sight of your eternal reward. These are key ingredients of your current joy.

Duane Williams is the pastor of New Horizons Ministries in Kingsport.

Duane Williams is the pastor of New Horizons Ministries in Kingsport.

Duane Williams is the pastor of New Horizons Ministries in Kingsport.